Kiting Practice

[mikethemerciless]

Is there anywhere within an hour or so drive of the DC metro area where I can kite? I remember seeing Juanito on a local news broadcast that showed him at a training hill in Fredericksburg, but I haven't been able to raise him using the e-mail he provided on the USHPA website. Fredericksburg would be almost ideal if his operation there is still running. Failing that, are there any other ideas?

[Matthew]

Hi Mike,

You can access the site guide, which includes training hills, with CHGPA membership. As to kiting, we sometimes go to Colmar Manor Park in Hyattsville, MD.

For directions, see-- http://www.dcrugby.com/directions/colmarmanorpark.html

[eggzkitz]

If you are truly merciless, you'll kite anywhere!!!

[charlieg]

If you just want to kite (not float down a short hill), I just discovered a set of great soccer fields in Northern Virginia. They're in Lake Fairfax Park, behind the Water Park (entrance off of Baron Cameron, near Rt 7). Unlike most of the other soccer fields I've found in Northern Virginia, they are not always in use, and when not, they're not closed to the public. And one of them actually is made of astroturf! The only downside with the astroturf is that it's full of tiny pieces of rubber which tend to stick to your wing when it gets a little staticy. (Don't confuse these fields with the fields in Baron Cameron Park at the corner of Baron Cameron and Wiehle -- those are always in use or closed.)
Charlie

[mikethemerciless]

If you are truly merciless, you'll kite anywhere!!!

That's been my approach where I live in NC. However, my activities here are tolerated by the local land owners and law enforcement types. I don't think I'll be so lucky in Northern Virginia, where my work frequently takes me. Thanks, everyone, for the info. I intend to make contact with y'all when I come in to town for work. I plan to join your wonderful organization. -MTM